More staph infections hit New Jersey

New cases of the staph infection known as MRSA continued to spring up around New Jersey today, with a Newark school security guard becoming the state's latest victim of the antibiotic-resistant infection.

The Newark guard, who works at the city's Roberto Clemente Elementary School, tested positive for MRSA on Friday, prompting school officials to notify parents, sanitize the school and post a bulletin on the district's Web site. The guard's diagnosis came on the heels of four newly reported cases in Passaic County, including children in Clifton and Paterson.

None of the New Jersey cases thus far has proved deadly, and physicians have repeatedly cautioned against overreaction to an infection that's been prevalent for years. But last week's death of a Brooklyn middle schooler diagnosed with MRSA has kept the so-called "superbug" high on the minds of Garden State residents.

Ortiz said she became worried yesterday morning when she heard about the security guard's infection on the news and was apprehensive about sending her granddaughter to school without fully understanding the risk she might face.

"If that is true, I would be worried. I don't know that I'd want to send my granddaughter back to school," she said.

School officials took a calm tone, noting that the school would be sanitized and remain open.

"The district is working diligently to ensure that proper precautions and products are being utilized per the CDC's recommendations," said Superintendent Marion Bolden in a written statement, referring to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.